EP3956120A1

EP3956120A1 - Molding tool for processing expandable and/or expanded plastic particle material

Info

Publication number: EP3956120A1
Application number: EP20717803.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: André Rauscher; Mirjam Martina LUCHT; Jörg Vetter
Original assignee: Fox Velution GmbH; Siegfried Hofmann GmbH
Current assignee: Fox Velution GmbH; Siegfried Hofmann GmbH
Priority date: 2019-04-13
Filing date: 2020-04-01
Publication date: 2022-02-23
Also published as: WO2020212144A1; DE102019109840A1; DE102019109840B4

Abstract

The invention relates to a molding tool (1) for processing expandable and/or expanded plastic particle material (2) in order to produce a molded part, in particular a molded particle foam part, comprising • - a molding tool body (3) which has at least one molding tool cavity (4) that provides a shape and is delimited by one or more wall sections (3a - 3d), and • - a filling device (6) which is designed to fill the at least one molding tool cavity (4) with an expandable and/or expanded plastic particle material (2) to be processed by the molding tool (1), wherein the filling device (6) comprises at least one filling device element (7) which is mounted in a movable manner in at least one movement path relative to the at least one molding tool cavity (4).

Description

Form tool for processing expandable and / or expanded

Plastic particulate material

The invention relates to a molding tool for processing expandable or expanded plastic particle material for the production of an at least partially foamed molded part, in particular a particle foam molded part, comprising a molding tool body with at least one molding tool cavity delimited by one or more wall sections, and a filling device which is used to fill the molding tool cavity with an agent of the mold to be processed expandable or expanded plastic particle material is set up.

Corresponding molding tools for processing expandable or expanded plastic particle material are known from the prior art; H. z. B. the technical field of processing corresponding plastic particle material or the production of at least partially expanded or foamed molded parts, basically known in a variety of different designs.

As part of the intended operation of a corresponding mold, the mold cavity of the mold is filled with expandable or expanded plastic particle material and at least one measure for connecting the expandable or expanded plastic particle material - the measure usually includes the introduction of thermal energy, for example in the form of steam or superheated steam - carried out in the mold cavity of the mold.

To fill the mold cavity of the mold with an expandable or expanded plastic material to be processed by means of the mold tool, corresponding mold tools typically comprise a filling device which is set up to fill the mold cavity of the mold tool with an expandable or expanded plastic particle material to be processed by means of the mold tool. The filling device is typically set up so that expandable or expanded plastic particle material to be filled into the mold cavity is carried out via a flowing carrier medium, such as e.g. B. a carrier gas or a carrier liquid, d. H. to be introduced into the mold cavity by means of a flow transport.

There is a need for a further development of known filling devices such that they enable efficient and, in particular with regard to a particular quality of filling, reproducible filling of a mold cavity of a mold. This in particular against the background that the filling process can have a considerable influence on the quality of a molded part to be produced by means of the molding tool, which is foamed at least in sections. On this basis, the invention is based on the object of specifying a molding tool for processing expandable or expanded plastic particle material for the production of an at least partially foamed molded part, which allows an improved filling of a molding tool cavity of the molding tool with an expandable or expanded plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool.

The object is achieved by the subjects of the independent claims, i. H. in particular a molding tool according to independent claim 1 solved. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the subjects of the independent claims.

The molding tool described herein is generally used for processing expandable or foamable plastic particle material and / or expanded or foamed plastic particle material for the production of at least one at least partially, optionally completely, foamed molded part or

Particle foam molding. The molding tool is suitable for processing expandable or foamable plastic particle material and / or expanded or foamed plastic particle material for the production of at least one at least partially, if necessary completely, foamed molded part or

Particle foam molding set up.

By means of the molding tool, basically any particulate, i.e. H. in particular process bulk material-like or -shaped, expandable or foamable or expanded or foamed plastic particle material. In connection with an (already) expanded or foamed plastic particle material, it should be mentioned that this may not be further expandable or foamable.

A mixture of at least one non-expandable or non-foamable plastic particle material, such as, for. B. a compact plastic particle material, with at least one expandable or foamable plastic particle material and / or with at least one expanded or foamed plastic particle material and / or with at least one propellant - this does not necessarily have to be a propellant based on a plastic material - to be understand.

Furthermore, a mixture of at least one already expanded or foamed, but not (further) expandable or not (further) foamable plastic particle material with at least one expandable or foamable plastic particle material and / or with at least one propellant can also be used as a plastic particle material that can be processed by means of the molding tool. this does not necessarily have to be an on one Plastic material-based propellant act - to be understood.

Thus, a plastic particle material that can be processed by means of the molding tool can itself be expandable or foamable and / or by an expandable or foamable additional material, such as. B. a blowing agent, expandable or foamable.

A specific example of a plastic particle material that can be processed by means of the molding tool is expandable polystyrene. A specific example of an expanded plastic particle material that can be processed by means of the molding tool is expanded TPE. Expandable plastic particle materials can therefore be non-pre-expanded or pre-expanded plastic particles, and expanded plastic particle materials can be plastic particles that are already pre-expanded and possibly no longer expandable (by themselves).

In the following, the term “plastic particle material” is used for short for all variants of an expandable or expanded plastic particle material that can be processed by means of the molding tool.

A molded part that can be produced by means of the molding tool can be a partially finished product, i. H. a semi-finished product or a fully finished product, d. H. to be a full product. A partially finished product is typically fed to at least one further treatment or processing step. A completely finished product is typically not fed to any further treatment or processing step. Regardless of whether the molded part is a partially finished or a completely finished product, a molded part that can be produced or produced by means of the molding tool is typically a technical component.

The molding tool comprises at least one molding tool body. The mold body has at least one shaping mold cavity delimited or defined by at least one wall section of the mold body. The molding tool body accordingly comprises at least one wall section which delimits or defines at least one molding tool cavity.

A corresponding wall section of the mold body can in particular be a wall section of a solid or one-piece mold body. It is also conceivable, however, that a corresponding wall section is formed by a molding tool insert that can be received or received in a molding tool body side configured for this purpose, ie in particular a molding tool body side recess. A corresponding wall section can therefore also be a molding tool insert or a part of one. The mold cavity can be filled with an expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material which can be processed or is to be processed by means of the mold to produce a molded part.

To fill the at least one mold cavity, the mold includes a filling device which is set up to fill the at least one mold cavity with a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the mold. The filling device described in more detail below, however, also enables the at least one mold cavity to be filled with powdery or powdery and / or granular or granular materials to be processed by means of the mold.

Individual, several or all wall sections of the molding tool can be provided with a large number of, typically bore-like or bore-shaped openings, via which steam, in particular superheated steam, can be introduced into the at least one molding tool cavity filled with a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool. The introduction of steam, in particular superheated steam, into the at least one mold cavity filled with a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool represents an exemplary measure for connecting the plastic particle material to form a particle foam molding to be produced. In particular, the introduction of steam, in particular superheated steam, is a measure for Expansion of a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool with the formation of a particle foam molded part to be produced.

As a measure for connecting the plastic particle material, however, a steam-free or steam-free application of thermal energy (heat or heat conduction) or radiation energy to the plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool can also be considered. The energy can be used to at least partially glue or fuse or sinter and thus connect the

Lead plastic particulate material. The thermal energy or its transfer to the plastic particle material can be of different types. In principle, as indicated, conductive, convective and energy conduction or radiation-based types of energy input and transmission come into consideration. The introduction of the thermal energy into the plastic particle material can, for. B. via energy transfer from at least one, e.g. B. due to the flow through with a temperature control medium and / or due to penetration with electromagnetic fields or waves, temperature-controlled or temperature-controlled wall section of the mold body.

As a measure for connecting the plastic particle material, exposure of the plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool with radiant energy, ie in particular microwave or radio wave radiation, can therefore also be considered. In this context, at least one wall section of the mold body can be formed at least in sections, if necessary completely, from a material that is permeable to corresponding radiation energy, so that radiation energy that can be emitted or emitted from at least one radiation source arranged outside and / or inside the mold body through the respective wall section into the at least a mold cavity can arrive.

The connection of the plastic particle material can therefore (also) take place via a steam-free or steam-free or energy conduction or radiation-based connection process, which can be carried out both with an expandable and with an expanded plastic particle material. A corresponding steam-free or steam-free or energy conduction or radiation-based foaming process can be supported by applying pressure or a compression force; the plastic particle material to be connected or the plastic particles to be connected can therefore be connected to one another by pressure and temperature. Processing of molten plastic material, i.e. H. in particular a plasticized plastic melt, is typically not possible with the molding tool described herein; the molding tool is typically not an injection molding tool.

To fill the at least one mold cavity with a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the mold, the mold comprises, as mentioned, a filling device. The filling device is set up for filling the at least one mold cavity with a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the mold. The filling device basically enables gravity-induced or gravity-induced filling of the at least one mold cavity with at least one plastic particle material to be processed by means of the mold. In particular, therefore, when the molding tool body or the at least one molding tool cavity is typically arranged or aligned horizontally or substantially. The horizontal arrangement or alignment of the mold body or the at least one mold cavity can also facilitate the positioning of, for. B. flat, insert elements in the at least one mold cavity.

The filling device comprises at least one filling device element which is mounted movably in at least one movement path relative to the at least one mold cavity. The at least one mold cavity is filled with a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the mold tool by one or more movements of the at least one filling device element relative to the at least one mold cavity in the at least one movement path. The at least one filling device element can therefore be moved with at least one degree of freedom of movement relative to the at least one mold cavity. The at least one degree of freedom of movement can be a translational and / or a rotational one Act freedom of movement. The at least one movement path is thus typically defined by at least one translational and / or rotational movement axis or direction. If the at least one mold cavity has corresponding axes or preferred directions due to the geometry, a movement path z. B. extend in or parallel to a longitudinal or in or parallel to a transverse axis of the at least one mold cavity.

Consequently, a movement of the at least one filling device element in the at least one movement path relative to the at least one mold cavity requires at least partial, possibly complete, filling of the at least one

Mold cavity with a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the mold. With a complete filling of at least one

Mold cavity is typically to be understood as a degree of filling of the at least one mold cavity that is to be selected or selected with regard to the desired properties of a molded part to be produced by means of the mold. The degree of filling of a complete filling of the at least one mold cavity for different moldings to be produced by means of the mold can therefore vary if necessary.

It is therefore conceivable that a single movement of at least one

Filling device element in the at least one movement path relative to the at least one mold cavity requires complete filling of the at least one mold cavity; In this case, a single movement of the at least one filling device element in the at least one movement path relative to the at least one mold cavity is required in order to completely fill the at least one mold cavity with a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the mold. However, it is also conceivable that several movements of the at least one

Filling device elements in the at least one movement path relative to the at least one mold cavity cause complete filling of the at least one mold cavity; In this case, several movements of the at least one filling device element in the at least one movement path relative to the at least one mold cavity are required in order to completely fill the at least one mold cavity with a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the mold.

During a movement in the at least one movement path, the at least one filling device element can therefore be movable or moved at least in sections, in particular completely, over the at least one mold cavity. The at least one filling device element can therefore be movable or moved at least in sections, in particular completely, along the at least one wall section delimiting the at least one mold cavity during a movement in the at least one movement path. In all embodiments, the at least one movement path is typically defined by a start point and an end point of the at least one movement path. The starting point typically lies in a parting plane of the molding tool or a surface of the molding tool defining a parting plane of the molding tool (hereinafter referred to as “parting plane”). The starting point can in particular lie in a first edge region of a wall section of the molding tool body that delimits the contour of the at least one molding tool cavity. The end point typically also lies in a parting plane of the molding tool or a surface of the molding tool that defines a parting plane of the molding tool. The end point can in particular lie in a second edge region, which is opposite the first edge region, of a wall section of the mold body that delimits the contour of the at least one mold cavity.

It is also conceivable that the at least one filling device element or at least one filling device element is movably supported in at least two different movement paths. In this case, at least one first movement path enables a movement of the at least one filling device element, starting from a starting point of the first movement path and ending in an end point of the first movement path, movement of the at least one filling device element over the mold cavity for at least partial filling of the at least one mold cavity with a means of the Mold to be processed plastic particle material. At least one further movement path can enable the at least one filling device element to be returned from an end point of the first movement path to a starting point of the first movement path. It can be the case that a corresponding return of the at least one filling device element also provides a movement over the at least one mold cavity, but without filling the at least one mold cavity with a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the mold, or no movement over the at least one mold cavity.

Of course, it is also possible that a first movement path enables a movement of the at least one filling device element over the at least one mold cavity for at least partial filling of the at least one mold tool cavity with a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool, and a second movement path also enables movement of the at least one filling device element over which enables at least one mold cavity for at least partial filling of the at least one mold cavity with a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the mold. In this case, the end point of the first movement path can coincide with the starting point of the second movement path and the end point of the second movement path with the starting point of the first movement path.

In all embodiments, the at least one filling device element is one such. B. trained as a drive motor or assigned to such a comprehensive drive device, which is set up to generate a drive force which sets the at least one filling device element into motion in the at least one movement path. In principle, any hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical or motorized generation of a corresponding drive force can be considered.

The filling of the at least one mold cavity via a corresponding filling device does not require a flowing carrier medium, such as. B. a carrier gas or a carrier liquid, via which a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the mold can be filled into the at least one mold cavity. Any contamination of the plastic particle material and / or the at least one mold cavity by a corresponding carrier medium is therefore no longer possible. The filling of the at least one mold cavity via a corresponding filling device enables efficient and, in particular with regard to a particular quality of the filling, reproducible filling of the at least one mold cavity of the mold with a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the mold. The filling of the at least one mold cavity can also result in a saving of energy and transport media as well as reduced noise emissions compared to conventional approaches.

Overall, there is thus a molding tool which enables an improved filling of a molding tool cavity with a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool.

The at least one movement path or at least one movement path can extend at least in sections, in particular completely, in a plane oriented parallel to the or a parting plane of the molding tool. The at least one filling device element can therefore also be moved parallel to the at least one mold cavity. Alternatively or in addition, however, it is also conceivable that the at least one movement path or at least one movement path extends at least in sections in a plane oriented at an angle, possibly even at right angles, to the or a parting plane of the molding tool. Thus, the at least one filling device element can optionally also be moved at an angle relative to the at least one mold cavity.

In particular in connection with a return of the at least one filling device element to a starting point of a movement path, combined angular and parallel movements may optionally be possible; For example, a return starting from an end point of a movement path can initially be a (vertical) movement at an angle, in particular at right angles, to the parting plane, then a movement parallel to the parting plane and finally, in order to return the at least one filling device element to the starting point, a further (vertical) Movement angular, in particular at right angles to the parting line. A corresponding return movement of a filling device element can therefore take place in different (vertical) planes parallel to the parting plane. A return movement of a filling device element can of course also take place in one plane, in particular in the parting plane.

The filling device can comprise at least two filling device elements, in particular independently of one another, each movably mounted in at least one movement path relative to the at least one mold cavity. Each of the filling device element segments can serve to fill a specific section of the at least one mold cavity; each filling device element segment can thus be assigned to a specific section of the at least one mold cavity. The movement of each filling device element segment along the respective movement path can therefore lead the respective filling device element segment relative to a specific section of the at least one mold cavity. Correspondingly, a first filling device element can be mounted movably in a first movement path relative to the at least one mold cavity, wherein it is movable or moved at least in sections, in particular completely, over a first section of the at least one mold cavity during a movement in the first movement path, and at least one another filling device element in a further movement path, d. H. z. B. a movement path adjacent to the first movement path, can be mounted movably relative to the at least one mold cavity, with a movement in the further movement path at least in sections, in particular completely, over a further section of the at least one mold cavity, d. H. z. B. a portion of the at least one mold cavity adjacent to the first portion of the at least one mold cavity, is movable or moved. Movements of the first and of the at least one further filling device element can result in at least one movement parameter characterizing the respective movement, i.e. H. z. B. acceleration, speed, etc., the same or different. In principle, the first filling device element and the at least one further filling device element can be carried out simultaneously or not simultaneously, i. H. in particular, moved with a time delay. The respective first and the at least one further movement path can be in at least one movement path parameter characterizing the respective movement path, i.e. H. z. B. alignment, length, etc. of the respective trajectory, the same or different.

The at least one filling device element or at least one filling device element can comprise at least one separating element defining at least two separate plastic particle material receiving areas and / or conveying areas or plastic particle material receiving areas and / or conveying compartments. A corresponding partition element can, for. B. be designed as a separating web, which defines two separate plastic particle material receiving areas and / or conveying areas. Corresponding plastic particle material receiving areas and / or conveying areas can depending on Dimension, arrangement and alignment of a respective partition element can be arranged or formed in one or more horizontal planes. A corresponding separating element can in particular be arranged or formed protruding from a base body of the filling device element in at least one spatial direction, in particular parallel and / or angled, ie in particular transversely to a direction of movement of the respective filling device element defined by the movement path relative to the at least one mold cavity. A corresponding partition element can, for. B. be formed by a partition web, a partition plate or the like or at least include one such.

A matrix-like or matrix-like arrangement and / or design of one or more separating elements in one or more horizontal and / or vertical planes is also conceivable. Each matrix element can define a separate plastic particle material receiving area and / or conveying area. The above statements apply in particular to matrices with regularly or irregularly arranged matrix elements of the same or different dimensions and / or shape. The same applies to an equally conceivable honeycomb-like or honeycomb arrangement and / or design of one or more separating elements, each honeycomb element defining a separate plastic particle material receiving area and / or conveying area. Of course, free forms are also conceivable.

In all embodiments, individual, several or all of the separating elements can also be movably supported between at least two positions, so that differently configured plastic particle material receiving areas and / or conveying areas can be formed by corresponding movements of the separating element or elements. Movements of the separating elements can be carried out simultaneously with movements of the at least one filling device element, so that the configuration of at least one plastic particle material receiving area and / or conveying area can be changed during a movement of a respective filling device element relative to the at least one mold cavity.

Thus, by forming at least two separate plastic particle material receiving areas and / or conveying areas or plastic particle material receiving areas and / or conveying compartments by means of the filling device or by means of a corresponding filling device element, e.g. B. chemically and / or physically and / or morphologically (ie regarding the external shape of a plastic particle), introduce different plastic particle materials into the at least one mold cavity. The arrangement and dimensions of a respective plastic particle material receiving area and / or conveying area enables the at least one mold cavity to be filled with different plastic particle materials and / or different amounts of plastic particle material in different horizontal and / or vertical areas, which overall results in a production of Molded parts with properties tailored in one or more spatial directions can result or results. In particular, it is possible to fill the at least one mold cavity in horizontal and / or vertical layers with different plastic particle materials and / or plastic particle material quantities, ie to form different plastic particle material layers, which in a molded part with different sections, ie e.g. different horizontal and / or vertical sections , different structural properties can result or results.

It should be mentioned in this context and basically regardless of the aspect of the corresponding partition elements that - for the conceivable embodiment of the filling device with several filling device elements - different plastic particle materials can also be filled into the at least one mold cavity via different filling device elements. This can e.g. B. by an arrangement of filling device elements in one or more horizontal and / or vertical planes, d. H. in particular next to one another, one behind the other or one above the other. The movements of the respective filling device elements can take place as a function of or independently of one another.

The at least one filling device element or at least one filling device element can have a shape that is at least partially based on the contour of the wall sections delimiting the at least one mold cavity. The term “contour” relates in particular to the contour of the wall section (s) in the area of a parting plane of the molding tool. By appropriately shaping the at least one filling device element, exact filling of the at least one mold cavity can be ensured than the plastic particle material to be filled into the at least one mold cavity when the at least one filling device element moves in the at least one movement path and not outside the contour of the at least one Mold cavity delimiting wall sections can be conveyed.

For the example of an at least partially round or rounded contour of one or more wall sections delimiting the at least one mold cavity, it is therefore conceivable that the at least one filling device element has a contoured shape based on the round or round contour of the wall section (s) delimiting the at least one mold cavity. For the example of an at least partially one-sided or polygonal contour of one or more wall sections delimiting the at least one mold cavity, it is therefore conceivable that the at least one filling device element has a contoured shape based on the one-sided or polygonal contour of the wall section (s) delimiting the at least one mold cavity . Thus, the at least one filling device element can, for example, be at least partially round or rounded and / or one or polygonal Have shape. In principle, the shape of the at least one filling device element can be designed to be open or closed. Merely by way of example, in connection with possible open shapes, reference is made to a U- or V-shaped shape and in connection with possible closed shapes to a polygonal or ring-shaped geometry. It goes without saying that the at least one filling device element can also have a shape other than a round or round and / or a one or polygonal shape. The same applies to contours other than those mentioned of one or more wall sections delimiting the at least one mold cavity or the resulting shapes of the at least one filling device element. In principle, any geometrically defined or geometrically undefined shape is conceivable; in particular, a free-form shape is also conceivable.

It is also conceivable that the at least one filling device element comprises at least two filling device element segments which are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another and which are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another to form one of the contour of the wall sections delimiting the at least one mold cavity, at least partially based on a contoured shape of the at least one filling device element. In connection with the aforementioned examples, it is therefore z. B. possible that the at least two filling device element segments are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another in order to form a round or rounded and / or a one-sided or polygonal shape of the filling device element. The at least two filling device element segments are typically provided with suitable guide elements which enable a defined guided movement of the filling device element segments with regard to a respectively desired shape of the filling device element. Likewise, the at least two filler element segments are typically one, e.g. B. designed as a drive motor or associated with such a comprehensive drive device, which is set up to generate a drive force that enables the respective movement of the at least two filling device element segments.

The at least one filling device element or at least one filling device element can in all embodiments, for. B. be designed as a doctor element or comprise at least one such. A corresponding doctor element enables a defined conveyance of plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool and thus a defined filling of the at least one molding tool cavity. A corresponding doctor element typically comprises an elongate doctor element base body. A corresponding squeegee element base body can, provided that the at least one mold cavity has corresponding axes due to the geometry, e.g. B. be arranged aligned parallel to a longitudinal or transverse axis of the at least one mold cavity. As mentioned, a trajectory, provided that the at least one Form tool cavity geometry-related has corresponding axes, z. B. extend in or parallel to a longitudinal or in or parallel to a transverse axis of the at least one mold cavity.

A certain gap can be present between the doctor element and the parting plane of the molding tool; the squeegee element can accordingly be arranged or designed at a distance from the parting plane of the molding tool in such a way that a certain gap space is formed between the surface of the squeegee element facing the parting plane of the molding tool. The gap can be dimensioned so that it z. B. the smallest, middle or largest particle diameter or the average z. B. corresponds to the smallest, medium or largest particle diameter of the plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool. The same can apply to filling device elements other than squeegee elements.

The doctor element - this generally also applies to any differently designed filling device element - can be mounted so as to be movable relative to the molding tool body or the at least one molding tool cavity in order to form different gap spaces, in particular in a vertical direction. Thus, by movements of the at least one filling device element relative to the molding tool body, differently dimensioned dimensions of the gap space (gap dimensions) between the at least one filling device element, ie. H. in particular a region of the at least one filling device element facing the molding tool body and the molding tool body or the at least one molding tool cavity. The change in the size of the gap can be static or dynamic. A dynamic change in the gap dimension can take place in particular during the movement of the at least one filling device element relative to the at least one mold cavity, so that at the beginning or at a first point in time of a movement of the at least one filling device element along a corresponding movement path, a first gap dimension and at the end or at a second The point in time of the movement of the at least one filling device element along the movement path is different from the first gap dimension, d. H. smaller or larger, second gap dimension is given. The change in the gap dimension can be targeted via a control device implemented in hardware and / or software, coupled to a drive device associated with the respective filling device element, in particular a motorized drive device, which is set up to generate a drive force that moves the respective filling device element in a vertical direction relative to the mold body can be controlled to e.g. B. to bring about or suppress desired or undesired effects of size-related separation of the plastic particle material in a targeted manner.

In all embodiments, the at least one filling device element or at least one filling device element can alternatively or additionally also be used as a dispensing opening which, if necessary, can be closed by means of at least one closure element, in particular container-like, receiving device for receiving plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool or at least comprise one such. The at least one dispensing opening is typically arranged or formed in the area of a surface of the receiving device facing the mold cavity or of a receiving body belonging to the receiving device and delimiting or defining a receiving volume. That of at least one, z. B. slit-like or -shaped, associated output opening, z. B. slider-like or -shaped closure element is typically mounted movably between an open position at least partially, if necessary completely, releasing the at least one delivery opening and a closed position at least partially, possibly completely, not releasing the at least one delivery opening. To move the at least one closure element between the open and closed position, and vice versa, the at least one closure element can be one, z. B. designed as a drive motor, drive device can be assigned or assigned. A movement of the at least one closure element between the open and closed positions can be a translational and / or rotational movement.

The drive device can be operated or controlled via a hardware and / or software implemented control device that can be assigned or assigned to it in such a way that the at least one closure element, when the receiving device moves over the mold cavity to fill the at least one mold cavity with plastic particle material, at least in sections, if necessary completely , is released. In particular, a movement-dependent and / or location-dependent and / or time-dependent control of the movement of the at least one closure element between the open and closed positions can be implemented.

It is conceivable that the at least one discharge opening can be enlarged or reduced in size following the contour of the wall sections delimiting the at least one mold cavity, at least in sections. The dimensions, that is to say in particular the width or length, of the at least one dispensing opening can therefore be adapted to the width of the at least one mold cavity, which is optionally variable as a function of location. This can be done dynamically in particular; accordingly, the dimensions of the at least one dispensing opening can be adapted to a location-dependently variable width of the molding tool cavity when the receiving device moves relative to the at least one mold cavity, e.g. B. position-dependent, dynamically adjusted. This is e.g. B. can be implemented via a suitable control of the movement of the at least one closure element between the open and closed positions during the movement of the receiving device relative to the at least one mold cavity. Of course, the same can be implemented in an analogous manner with several closure elements. In all embodiments, the at least one filling device element or at least one filling device element can alternatively or additionally also be used as a combined doctor element comprising at least one doctor element and at least one dispensing opening, in particular container-like, receiving device for receiving plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool Be formed recording device assembly or at least include such. The at least one doctor element is typically arranged or formed in a defined spatial arrangement relative to the at least one receiving device and vice versa. In particular, the at least one doctor element of the at least one receiving device can be arranged or formed trailing in a defined spatial arrangement with respect to a movement of the combined doctor-receiving device assembly in the movement path for filling the at least one mold cavity. In this way, the at least one doctor element can bring about a leveling or smoothing of the filling surface of the plastic particle material filled into the at least one mold cavity via the at least one receiving device.

In particular, in connection with the design of the at least one filling device element as a dispensing opening, in particular container-like, having a dispensing opening that can be closed by at least one closure element if necessary, for receiving plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool, corresponding separate

Plastic particle material receiving areas and / or conveying areas or plastic particle material receiving areas and / or conveying compartments are defined by appropriate partition elements within the receiving volume, so that the receiving device can be filled with different plastic particle materials. The recording volume can, for. B. be subdivided into one or more spatial directions and / or spatial levels in order to define corresponding separate plastic particle material receiving areas and / or conveying areas. Each plastic particle material receiving area and / or conveying area can have at least one dispensing opening which can be closed by at least one corresponding closure element that can be moved between the open and closed positions.

In all embodiments, the molding tool can comprise a filling frame device defining an additional filling volume that extends beyond the filling volume defined by the at least one molding tool cavity. A corresponding filling frame device can comprise at least one filling frame element that can be arranged on a parting plane of the molding tool. A corresponding filling frame element typically comprises a filling frame body having a filling volume that is limited by one or more wall sections. The shape of a corresponding filling frame body is typically selected in such a way, and therefore the filling frame body is typically dimensioned in such a way that that it surrounds the contour of the wall sections of the mold body delimiting the at least one mold cavity at least in sections, in particular completely. A corresponding filling frame body can therefore contribute to filling the at least one mold cavity as precisely as possible. In particular, a corresponding filling frame body can ensure that vertically accelerated plastic particles can be “caught” during the movement of the at least one filling device element.

The interior space defined by a corresponding filling frame body is typically to the dimensions of a movably mounted wall section of the molding tool body, i.e. H. z. B. a wall section delimiting the at least one mold cavity on the ceiling side, coordinated so that this wall section - in the sense of a dip edge - can dip into the interior space defined by the filling frame body. In this way, defined pressure or compression forces can be applied to the plastic particle material filled into the at least one mold cavity and thus a defined compression of the plastic particle material can be brought about. B. can result in a compaction of the plastic particulate material. This can be useful in particular when there is no or insufficiently high expansion or foaming pressure of the plastic particle material in the at least one mold cavity.

The at least one filling frame element or a corresponding filling frame body can be positioned between a first position resting on a parting plane of the molding tool and one of the parting plane of the molding tool with the formation of a free space extending between the parting plane of the molding tool and the surface of the filling frame element or the filling frame body facing it, in particular for the introduction of an insert element, which can be, for example, a flat, in particular film-like or shaped insert element, can be movably supported in a spaced, non-resting second position. The filling frame element or the filling frame body can therefore enable at least one insert element to be introduced and fixed in place by means of a corresponding movement, in particular a vertical movement relative to the parting plane of the molding tool. In order to move the at least one filling frame element or the filling frame body between the first and second positions, the at least one filling frame element or the filling frame body can be provided with a e.g. B. designed as a drive motor, drive device can be assigned or assigned. A movement of the at least one filling frame element or the filling frame body between the first and second positions can be a translational and / or rotational movement. The drive device can be operated or controlled via a hardware and / or software implemented control device that can be assigned or assigned to it.

As part of the movement of the filling frame element or the filling frame body from the second to the first position, a corresponding insert element can also be assembled, ie in particular cut to size; the filling frame body can for this purpose with suitable, z. B. sharp-edged sections formed, separating sections can be provided, which enables a cut-out of a fabricated area from an unassembled insert element. The assembly typically includes adapting the dimensions of an insert element provided to the dimensions of the mold cavity.

The molding tool can further comprise a handling device which is set up to introduce an insert element to be introduced into the free space formed by moving the filling frame element into the second position in the free space formed by moving the filling frame element into the second position. A corresponding handling or handling device can be at least one, for. B. designed as a gripping or suction element or such a comprehensive handling or handling element. A corresponding handling or handling device can, for. B. be designed as a single or multi-axis robot device or comprise at least one such.

The molding tool can also comprise a handling or handling device, which is set up to remove a molded part from the at least one molding tool cavity. This handling or handling device can be equipped with at least one such. B. formed by a heating wire, a cutting edge, etc. or such a comprehensive, separating element comprising separating device, which is designed to separate an insert element from an insert element composite. It is also possible to separate a section of an insert element protruding beyond the molded part from the molded part.

Of course, the handling or handling device can include an insert element to be introduced into the free space formed by moving the filling frame element into the second position in the free space formed by moving the filling frame element into the second position, and when handling or handling device, which is set up to remove a molded part from the at least one mold cavity, act around the same handling or handling device.

At least one wall section of the mold body delimiting the at least one mold cavity can have at least one of at least one fixing flow for fixing an insert element to be introduced or introduced into the at least one mold cavity at the respective and / or through another wall section through which the flow opening can. In this way, a positionally stable fixation of an insert element introduced into the at least one mold cavity can be implemented in the at least one mold cavity. With a corresponding fixation flow it can be B. be a suction flow, the fixation of the at least one insert element can therefore z. B. be done by suction; nevertheless, a corresponding fixing flow can in principle also be a blowing flow, and the at least one insert element can therefore also be fixed by blowing.

The molding tool can comprise at least one flow generating device which can be assigned or is assigned to the at least one flow opening, which is set up to generate a fixing flow flowing through the at least one flow opening. If the fixing flow is a suction flow, the flow generating device can, for. B. be designed as a suction pump device or at least include one such. If the fixation flow is a blowing flow, the flow generating device can, for. B. be designed as a blow pump device or at least include one such.

The molding tool can comprise a temperature control device which can be or is assigned to the at least one filling device element, which is used for temperature control at least in sections, i. H. Heating and / or cooling of the at least one filling device element is set up. A temperature control of the at least one filling device element is possible via a corresponding temperature control device, which can possibly have a positive effect on the filling process and later processing of a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the mold, as such, for. B. Influence on a desired or undesired sliding behavior and / or falling behavior of the plastic particle material to be filled into the at least one mold cavity on the parting plane of the mold and / or influence on the expansion behavior of the plastic particle material can be exerted. A corresponding temperature control device can comprise at least one temperature control device element arranged or formed on or in the at least one filling device element, in particular at least in sections along and / or extending through it. With a corresponding temperature control element it can be, for. B. a heating element that can be energized with electrical current and / or a temperature control channel through which a temperature control medium can flow. In an analogous manner, the molding tool can comprise a temperature control device which can be assigned or is assigned to at least one filling frame element or a filling frame body, which is set up for at least section-wise temperature control of the at least one filling frame element or filling frame body.

The at least one filling device element can be provided with a functional layer at least in sections, optionally completely. A corresponding functional layer can, for. B. influence any adhesion of plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool to the at least one filling device element, ie in particular prevent it. Alternatively or in addition, a corresponding functional layer can be used also influence the aging behavior of the at least one filling device element; in particular, a corresponding functional layer can influence the sliding behavior of the at least one filling device element along the parting plane of the molding tool and thus reduce friction and wear phenomena.

In connection with the aspect of influencing the adhesion of plastic particle material to the at least one filling device element, it is furthermore conceivable that the molding tool comprises a vibration generating device which, for generating the at least one filling device element in an, optionally oscillating, vibration, this is typically a a mechanical vibration, displacing vibration energy is set up. A corresponding vibration generating device can specifically, for. B. be designed as an ultrasonic generating device or comprise at least one such. The fall and / or distribution behavior of the plastic particle material can also be influenced by corresponding vibrations. The operation of the at least one oscillation generating device can be controlled via a control device implemented in hardware and / or software. The control device can in particular be set up to control the operation of the vibration generating device as a function of movement and / or location and / or time.

The molding tool can comprise a detachment device which can be assigned or is assigned to the at least one filling device element, which is set up to generate a detachment force causing at least a partial detachment of plastic particle material adhering to the at least one filling device element. A corresponding detachment device can be at least one, for. B. on or in the at least one filling device element, in particular at least in sections along and / or through this, arranged or formed detachment device element. A corresponding detachment element can, for. B. be designed as an antistatic or ionization element, fan element, etc. or at least include one such. A release force can therefore, for. B. an antistatic force, a fan force; However, mechanical forces are equally conceivable, i. H. z. B. compressive forces, shear forces, etc. An already mentioned vibration generating device can also be regarded as a release device. Combinations of different detachment device elements are of course conceivable.

The molding tool can comprise a detection device, which is used to, in particular optically, detect a filling process of the at least one molding tool cavity and / or a filling state of the at least one molding tool cavity and to generate a recorded filling process, in particular its quality, of the at least one molding tool cavity and / or a recorded one Filling state, in particular its quality, the at least one molding tool cavity describing detection information is set up. A corresponding detection device therefore enables detection and via a suitable, e.g. B. by a comparison with predefinable or predefined reference values, evaluation of corresponding detection information an assessment of a filling process of the at least one mold cavity and / or a filling status of the at least one mold cavity. Corresponding detection information can be transmitted, for example for the purpose of process or quality monitoring, to a suitable control device implemented in hardware and / or software that is assigned to the operation of the molding tool or a higher-level device comprising the molding tool for processing plastic particle material. Certain parameters relating to the filling process of the at least one mold cavity, such as, for. B. acceleration, speed, etc. of the movement of the at least one filling device element can be adapted on the basis of corresponding detection information for future filling processes of the at least one mold cavity. Corresponding detection information can of course also be transmitted to an output device, in particular a display device, assigned to the molding tool or a higher-level device for processing plastic particle material, which includes the molding tool.

A corresponding detection device can, for. B. as an optical detection device, d. H. z. B. be designed as a photo or video camera device, optical barrier device, etc., or at least include one such. In principle, however, differently designed detection devices, i.e. H. z. B. acoustic detection devices, conceivable, which are set up by the detection and processing of acoustic signals to generate corresponding detection information.

The molding tool can comprise at least one supply device which is set up to supply an amount of plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool on a parting plane of the molding tool, in particular defined with regard to the at least one molding tool cavity or its filling volume. A corresponding provision device can in particular be set up to provide a defined amount of plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool using gravimetric and / or volumetric principles; a corresponding provision device can therefore, for. B. be designed as a gravimetric and / or volumetric supply device. In this case, a corresponding provision device can be set up to implement a specific geometry of a heap of plastic particle material to be deposited or deposited on the parting plane of the molding tool.

The plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool is typically applied to a parting plane of the molding tool in such a way that it is from the at least one filling device element in the course of a movement along the at least one movement path, ie in particular between a start and end point defining the at least one movement path the at least one filling device element added and can be conveyed into the at least one mold cavity for the purpose of filling the at least one mold cavity. The operation of a corresponding provision device can be controlled via a hardware and / or software-implemented control device assigned to it in such a way that an amount of plastic particle material that enables a desired degree of filling of the at least one mold cavity is provided.

The molding tool can comprise a plurality of corresponding provision devices or modules. In this case, each provision device can be set up to provide a specific plastic particle material, so that different plastic particle materials can also be made available with several provision devices or modules.

A corresponding provision device can be assigned a weighing device which is set up to weigh or weigh a quantity of plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool provided by the provision device and to generate weighing information describing a weighing result. A weighing result described by corresponding weighing information can be compared with a reference value in order to check or, if necessary, adjust one or more operating parameters of the provision device, in particular with regard to the precision of the filling process of the at least one mold cavity or the filling status of the at least one mold cavity.

A corresponding weighing device can be arranged in the area of a starting point or adjacent to a starting point of a respective movement path in order to draw conclusions about the maximum amount of plastic particle material that can be filled into the at least one mold cavity via the plastic particle material present there or its weight recorded by the weighing device. A corresponding determination device can, for. B. (also) be set up to process signals supplied by the corresponding supply module-side sensor devices, displacement sensors, etc.

It is equally conceivable to arrange a corresponding weighing device in the area of an end point or adjacent to an end point of a respective movement path in order to draw conclusions about the filling process of the at least one mold cavity and / or the excess plastic particle material that may be present there or its weight recorded by the weighing device. or to draw the filling state of the at least one mold cavity.

A corresponding provision device can comprise at least one, in particular detachable (damage-free or non-destructive), arranged or formed on or in the molding tool body, which at least one Having provision volume defining provision module body. A corresponding provision volume can be limited or defined by wall sections of the provision module body in the case of a provision device arranged or formed on or in the molding tool body. In this case, at least one wall section of the supply module body that delimits the supply volume, in particular the bottom side, can be movably mounted in at least one, in particular translational and / or rotary, degree of freedom of movement for carrying out a supply movement of plastic particle material from the supply volume to the parting plane of the molding tool. A corresponding provision module body can be handled as a separate structural unit with respect to the molding tool body separately from the molding tool body. In particular, it is possible for a supply module body to be exchanged manually or (partially) automatically with a supply module body filled with plastic particle material, if necessary, ie for example in an emptied state.

A determination device implemented in hardware and / or software for determining a provided weight and / or volume, ie. H. generally be assigned to generate a provision information describing a supplied amount of plastic particle material. A corresponding determination device can be set up to draw conclusions about the respective amount of plastic particle material provided by evaluating operating parameters or states of a particularly motorized drive device assigned to the supply module, which is set up to implement a corresponding supply movement. For example, for a given construction of a supply module, conclusions can be drawn about the respective amount of plastic particle material supplied by evaluating the recorded lifting movements, lifting forces, etc.

If several supply module bodies are present, these can also be operated simultaneously or alternately for the provision of plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool. Respective provision module body can, for. B. be arranged or formed on opposite areas, in particular edge areas, of the mold body. In this way, the at least one mold cavity can be filled from different directions.

The molding tool can also have a collecting device formed by one or more, in particular sieve-like or -shaped, openings in the molding tool body, which is set up to separate excess plastic particle material particles and / or plastic particle material particles of a certain particle size and / or particle morphology (particle shape) , include. Such can optionally, for. B. due to particle size and / or Paritkelmorphologie, undesired plastic particle material particles are separated so that these are not filled into the at least one mold cavity. A corresponding collecting device can accordingly be arranged or designed in particular in the region of a starting point or end point of a movement path of the at least one filling device element. A corresponding collecting device can communicate with at least one collecting container, possibly detachably connectable or connected to the molding tool body.

The molding tool or the molding tool body can at least partially, optionally completely, additively, i. H. be formed or manufactured, for example, by a selective laser melting process, binder jetting process, etc. In principle, any additive manufacturing process (s) will come or will come. H. in particular powder (bed) based additive manufacturing processes, such as B. laser beam melting, electron beam melting, material order-based additive manufacturing processes such. B. laser deposition welding, arc deposition welding, EBAM, extrusion-based additive manufacturing processes, such as B. FDM processes, jetting-based additive manufacturing processes such. B. Binder-Jetting, Nanoparticle-Jetting, or material powder order-based additive manufacturing processes into consideration. The molding tool or the molding tool body can therefore be at least partially, optionally completely, additively, i.e. H. For example, a component manufactured by a selective laser melting process, binder jetting process, etc. The additive production of the molding tool or the molding tool body enables a maximum of constructive degrees of freedom with regard to the functional as well as the structural conception of the molding tool or the molding tool body. In an analogous manner, at least one corresponding wall section - this applies in particular to the described embodiment of the wall section as a mold insert - can be used as an additive, ie. H. For example, a component manufactured by a selective laser melting process, binder jetting process, etc.

The invention also relates to a filling device for a molding tool for processing plastic particle material for producing a molded part, in particular a particle foam molded part, with a plastic particle material to be processed by means of the molding tool, in particular for a molding tool as described herein. The filling device is characterized in that it comprises at least one filling device element mounted movably in at least one movement path relative to at least one mold cavity. All statements in connection with the molding tool apply analogously to the filling device.

The invention also relates to a device for processing plastic particle material for producing a molded part, in particular a particle foam molded part. The device is characterized in that it comprises at least one molding tool as described herein. All statements in connection with the molding tool apply analogously to the device. The device can in addition to a corresponding molding tool a, in particular chamber-like, steam generating device which surrounds the molding tool at least in sections, optionally completely, in which steam or superheated steam can be generated.

The invention further relates to a method for filling a mold cavity of a mold for processing plastic particle material for producing a molded part, in particular a particle foam molded part, with a plastic particle material. The method is characterized in that a filling device as described herein is used to fill the at least one mold cavity.

The invention finally relates to a method for processing plastic particle material for producing a molded part, in particular a particle foam molded part, using at least one molding tool as described herein or a device as described herein. The procedure consists of the following steps:

- Filling at least one mold cavity of a mold with at least one plastic particle material by means of a filling device as described herein,

- Carrying out at least one measure bringing about a connection process of the plastic particle material in the at least one mold cavity, in particular by introducing thermal energy into the plastic particle material or converting it, with the formation of an at least partially, optionally completely, foamed molded part, in particular a particle foam molded part,

- Removal of the at least partially, optionally completely, foamed molded part, in particular the particle foam molded part, from the at least one mold cavity.

Of course, before the at least partially, optionally completely, foamed molded part, in particular the particle foam molded part, is removed from the at least one mold cavity, the at least one mold cavity is typically cooled.

The at least partially, optionally completely, foamed molded part or the particle foam molded part can be removed from the at least one molding tool cavity by means of a handling device.

All statements in connection with the molding tool apply analogously to the method.

A modification of the procedure comprises the following steps:

- providing at least one insert element,

- Introducing the provided insert element into a between the parting plane of the molding tool and the surface of the filling frame element or the area facing it Filling frame body extending free space,

Moving a filling frame element or a filling frame body from a second position (upper position) to a first position (lower position),

- Formation of a fixing measure, in particular a fixing flow, for fixing the insert element in the at least one mold cavity,

Filling the at least one mold cavity with at least one plastic particle material by means of the filling device,

Closing the mold by moving a movably mounted wall section into a closed position,

- Opening the mold by moving the movably mounted wall section into an open position,

- if necessary, moving the filling frame element or the filling frame body from the first position to the second position,

The method can further comprise a step of separating an excess insert element section from a molded part or particle foam molded part. The separation can (likewise) take place by means of the or a handling device.

The invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments in the drawings. Show:

FIGS. 1-21 each show a basic illustration of a molding tool according to one

Embodiment.

1 shows a basic illustration of a molding tool 1 according to an exemplary embodiment in a sectional view. The molding tool 1 is used to process expandable or foamable particulate plastic particle material 2 (“plastic particle material”), ie in particular expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material, to produce a molded part, in particular a particle foam molded part. The molding tool 1 is set up accordingly for processing expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material 2 for producing a molded part or particle foam component. The molding tool 1 comprises a molding tool body 3. The molding tool body 3 comprises a plurality of wall sections 3a - 3d. The wall sections 3a-3d delimit or define a shaping mold cavity 4. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, the wall sections 3a, 3b are each a side wall delimiting the mold cavity 4, and the wall section 3c is a mold cavity 4 on the bottom wall delimiting the bottom wall and, in the case of the wall section 3d, which is also to be designated or considered as a stamp, around a top wall delimiting the mold cavity 4 on the top side.

The wall sections 3 a - 3 d can be provided with a large number of, typically bore-like or bore-shaped openings, via which steam or superheated steam can be introduced into the mold cavity 4. During the operation of the mold 1, the introduction of steam or superheated steam into the mold cavity 4 filled with a plastic particle material 2 represents a possible measure for the expansion of a plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the tool 1.

Nevertheless, a steam-free or steam-free or energy conduction or radiation-based processing of a plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the molding tool 1 is conceivable. The processing of the plastic particle material 2 can therefore take place by applying thermal energy (heat or heat conduction) and / or radiation energy to the plastic particle material 2 in a steam-free or steam-free or energy conduction or radiation-based manner. The energy can lead to at least some sections of the plastic particle material 2 being glued or fused or sintered and thus connected. The energy or its transmission to the plastic particle material 2 can be of different types. In principle, conductive, convective and energy conduction or radiation-based types of energy input and transmission come into consideration.

The introduction of the thermal energy into the plastic particle material 2 can, for. B. via energy transfer from at least one, e.g. B. due to flow through with a temperature control medium and / or due to penetration with electromagnetic fields or waves, temperature-controlled or temperature-controlled wall sections 3a - 3d.

At least one of the wall sections 3a - 3d delimiting the mold cavity 4, i.e. H. z. B. the wall section 3c delimiting the mold cavity 4 on the bottom side can be formed by a shaping mold insert (not shown) that can be received or received in a receptacle designed for this purpose on the mold body side.

The wall section 3d, which, as mentioned, can also be designated or regarded as a stamp is, as indicated by the double arrow P1, relative to the other wall sections 3a - 3c movably mounted. The wall section 3d is movably supported between an open position (upper position) shown in Fig. 1, in which there is an opportunity to access the mold cavity 4, and a closed position (lower position), in which there is no possibility of access to the mold cavity 4 . To move the wall section 3d is this one, for. B. motor-driven drive device (not shown) assigned, which is set up to generate a drive force that sets the wall section 3d in motion.

The molding tool 1 or the molding tool body 3 comprises a parting plane 5 which is defined by a surface of the molding tool body 3.

The mold cavity 4 can be filled with a plastic particle material 2 that can be processed or is to be processed by means of the mold 1 for producing a particle foam component.

To fill the mold cavity 4 with a plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the mold 1, the mold 1 comprises a filling device 6. The filling device 6 is set up to fill the mold cavity 4 with a plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the mold 1. The filling device 6 basically enables gravity-induced or -induced filling of the mold cavity 4 with a plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the mold 1, in particular as the mold body 3 or the mold cavity 4 (or its bottom surface), visible horizontally or essentially is aligned. The horizontal arrangement or alignment of the mold body 3 or the mold cavity 4 can also facilitate the positioning of, for. B. flat, insert elements 18 in the mold cavity 4 facilitate.

The filling device 6 comprises a filling device element 7 which is movably mounted relative to the molding tool cavity 4 in at least one movement path indicated by the double arrow P2. The filling of the molding tool cavity 4 with the plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the molding tool 1 thus takes place relatively through one or more movements of the filling device element 7 to the mold cavity 4 in the at least one movement path. The filling device element 7 can therefore be moved relative to the mold cavity 4 with at least one degree of freedom of movement. The at least one degree of freedom of movement can be a translational and / or a rotational degree of freedom. The at least one movement path is thus typically defined by at least one translational and / or rotational movement axis. If the mold cavity 4 has appropriate axes due to its geometry, a trajectory can be e.g. B. extend in or parallel to a longitudinal or in or parallel to a transverse axis of the mold cavity 4. Thus, a movement of the filling device element 7 in the at least one movement path relative to the mold cavity 4 requires at least partial, possibly complete, filling of the 4 mold cavity with a plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the mold 1. A complete filling of the mold cavity 4 is typically an im With regard to the desired properties of a molded part to be produced by means of the molding tool 1, the degree of filling of the molding tool cavity 4 to be selected or chosen is to be understood. The degree of filling of a complete filling of the mold cavity 4 for different moldings to be produced by means of the mold 1 can therefore vary if necessary. As follows, the degree of filling or the filling quantity of the molding tool body 3 or of the molding tool cavity 4 can also be varied by using one or more filling frame elements 16 or filling frame bodies 17.

It is therefore conceivable that a single movement of the filling device element 7 in the at least one movement path relative to the mold cavity 4 causes the mold cavity 4 to be completely filled; in this case there is a single movement of the filling device element 7 in the at least one movement path relative to the

Mold cavity 4 required in order to completely fill the mold cavity 4 with a plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the mold 1. However, it is also conceivable that several movements of the filling device element 7 in the at least one movement path relative to the mold cavity 4 result in a complete filling of the mold cavity 4; In this case, there are several movements of the filling device element 7 in the at least one movement path relative to the

Mold cavity 4 required in order to completely fill the mold cavity 4 with a plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the mold 1.

During a movement in the at least one movement path, the filling device element 7 can therefore be movable or moved at least in sections, in particular completely, over the mold cavity 4. Thus, when moving in the at least one movement path, the filling device element 7 can be moved or moved at least in sections, in particular completely, along the wall sections 3a - 3d delimiting the mold cavity 4.

The at least one trajectory is defined by a starting point SP and an end point EP. The starting point EP lies in the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1. It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the starting point SP can lie in a first edge region of a wall section 3a delimiting the contour of the molding tool cavity 4. The end point EP is also in the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1. It can be seen from FIG. 1 that the end point EP can lie in a second edge area of a wall section 3b delimiting the contour of the molding tool cavity 4, opposite the first edge area. In all the exemplary embodiments, it is also conceivable that the or a filling device element 7 can be moved beyond an end point EP.

Based on the plan view of the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1 shown in FIG. 2 and the side view of the molding tool 1 shown in FIG. 3, it can be seen that the filling device element 7 can be movably supported in at least two different movement paths. In this case, at least one first movement path enables a movement of the at least one filling device element, starting from a starting point SP1 of the first movement path and ending in an end point EP1 of the first movement path, movement of the filling device element 7 over the mold cavity 4 for at least partial filling of the mold cavity 4 with an agent of the mold 1 to be processed expandable plastic particle material 2. A further movement path can enable a return of the filling device element 7 from an end point EP1 of the first movement path to a starting point SP1 of the first movement path. It can be the case that a corresponding return of the filling device element 8 also provides a movement over the mold cavity 4, but without filling the mold cavity 4 with an expandable plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the mold 1, or no movement over the at least one mold cavity 4. Respective movements are indicated by arrows in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Of course, it is also possible that a first movement path enables the filling device element 7 to move over the mold cavity 4 for at least partial filling of the mold cavity 4 with a plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the mold 1, and a second movement path also enables the filling device element 7 to move over the mold cavity 4 allows for at least partial filling of the mold cavity 4 with a plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the mold 1. In this case, the end point of the first movement path can coincide with the starting point of the second movement path and the end point of the second movement path with the starting point of the first movement path.

It can also be seen from FIG. 2 that a movement path can extend, at least in sections, in particular completely, in a plane aligned parallel to the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1. The filling device element 7 can therefore be moved parallel to the mold cavity 4. Alternatively or additionally, however, as can be seen from FIG. 3, it is also conceivable that a movement path extends at least in sections in a plane oriented at an angle, possibly even at right angles, to the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1. As a result, the filling device element 7 can optionally also be moved at an angle relative to the mold cavity 4.

In particular in connection with a return of the filling device element 7 to a starting point SP of a movement path, combined parallel and angular movements are possible; For example, as shown by way of example in FIG. 3, a return starting from an end point EP1 of a movement path can initially be a vertical movement at right angles to the parting plane 5, then a movement parallel to the parting plane 5 and finally to return the filling device element 7 to the starting point SP , provide a further vertical movement at right angles to the parting plane 5. A corresponding return movement of a filling device element can therefore take place in different (vertical) planes parallel to the parting plane 5. Of course, as shown in FIG. 2, a return movement of a filling device element 7 can also take place in one plane, ie in particular in the parting plane 5.

In all the exemplary embodiments, the filling device element 7 is a, for. B. designed as a drive motor or one comprising such a drive device (not shown) assigned, which is set up to generate a drive force that sets the filling device element 7 in motion in the at least one movement path. In principle, any hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical or motorized generation of a corresponding drive force can be considered.

Based on the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 in a plan view of the parting plane 5, it can be seen that the filling device 6 can comprise at least two filling device elements 7a, 7b, in particular independently of one another, each in at least one movement path relative to the mold cavity 4. Each of the filling device element segments 7a, 7b can serve to fill a specific section of the mold cavity 4; each filling device element segment 7a, 7b can thus be assigned to a specific section of the mold cavity 4. The movement of each filling device element segment 7a, 7b along the respective movement path can therefore guide the respective filling device element segment 7a, 7b relative to a specific section of the mold cavity 4. Correspondingly, a first filling device element 7a can be movably supported in a first movement path relative to the mold cavity 4, wherein when moving in the first movement path, it is at least partially, in particular completely, over a first section 4.1 of the

Mold cavity 4 is movable or moved, and at least one other

Filling device element 7b in a further movement path, d. H. z. B. a movement path adjacent to the first movement path, can be mounted movably relative to the mold cavity 4, with a movement in the further movement path at least partially, in particular completely, over a further section 4.2 of the

Mold cavity 4, ie, for example, a section of the mold cavity adjacent to the first section 4.1 of the mold cavity 4, is movable or moved. Movements of the first and the at least one further filling device element 7a, 7b can be the same or different in at least one movement parameter characterizing the respective movement, ie, for example, acceleration, speed, etc.. In principle, the first filling device element 7a and the at least one further filling device element 7b at the same time or not at the same time, that is, in particular, moved with a time delay. The respective first and the at least one further movement path can be the same or different in at least one movement path parameter characterizing the respective movement path, that is to say, for example, alignment, length, etc. of the respective movement path. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the movement paths differ, for example, in terms of their length.

On the basis of the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 5, 6 also in a plan view of the partition plane 5 of the mold 1, it can be seen that a filling device element 7 can have a shape that is at least partially based on the contour of the wall sections 3a - 3d delimiting the mold cavity 4 . Obviously, the term "contour" refers in particular to the contour of the wall sections 3a - 3d in the area of the parting plane 5 of the mold 1. By appropriately shaping the filling device element 7, an exact filling of the mold cavity 4 can be ensured than that in the mold cavity 4 plastic particle material 2 to be filled during a movement of the filling device element 7 in which at least one movement path cannot be conveyed outside the contour of the wall sections 3a-3d delimiting the mold cavity 4.

For the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5 of an at least partially round or rounded contour of one or more wall sections 3a - 3d delimiting the mold cavity 4, it is therefore possible for the filling device element 7 to have one of the round or rounded contours of the wall section 3a delimiting the mold cavity 4 - Has a contoured shape based on a 3d. For the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6 of an at least partially single or polygonal contour of one or more wall sections 3a - 3d delimiting the mold cavity 4, it is therefore possible for the filling device element 7 to have one of the single or polygonal contours of the mold cavity 4 delimiting Wall sections 3a - 3d modeled after contoured shape. Thus, a filling device element 7 can, for example, have a shape that is round or rounded and / or one or more polygonal at least in sections. In principle, the shape of the filling device element 7 can be open or, as shown by way of example in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6 in a plan view, closed. Merely by way of example, in connection with possible open shapes, reference is made to a U- or V-shaped shape and in connection with possible closed shapes to a polygonal or ring-shaped geometry. It goes without saying that a filling device element 7 can also have a shape other than a round or rounded and / or a one-sided or polygonal shape. The same applies to other than the mentioned contours of one or more wall sections 3a-3d delimiting the mold cavity 4 or the resulting shapes of a filling device element 7. In principle, any geometrically defined or geometrically undefined shape is conceivable; in particular is a free-form design is also conceivable.

5, 6 it can also be seen that a filling device element 7 can comprise a plurality of filling device element segments 7.1 - 7.3 which are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another and which, in order to form one of the contour of the wall sections 3a - 3d delimiting the mold cavity 4, are at least partially based on a contoured shape of the filling device element 7, as indicated by the double arrows, are mounted movably relative to one another. In connection with the aforementioned examples, it is therefore z. B. possible that the filling device element segments 7.1 - 7.3 to form a round or rounded shape (see. Fig. 5) or a mono or polygonal shape (see. Fig. 6) of the filling device element 7 are mounted movable relative to each other. The filling device element segments 7.1 - 7.3 are typically provided with suitable guide elements (not shown), which enable a defined guided movement of the filling device element segments 7.1 - 7.3 with regard to a respectively desired shape of the filling device element 7. Likewise, the filling device element segments 7.1 - 7.3 are typically one, e.g. B. designed as a drive motor or associated with such a comprehensive drive device (not shown), which is set up to generate a drive force that enables the respective movement of the filling device element segments 7.1 - 7.3.

The perspective illustration shown in FIG. 8 shows that a filling device element 7 is designed as a doctor element or can at least include one. A corresponding squeegee element enables a defined conveyance of plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the molding tool 1 and thus a defined filling of the molding tool cavity 4. A corresponding squeegee element typically comprises an elongated squeegee element base body. A corresponding squeegee element base body can, provided the mold cavity 4 has corresponding axes due to its geometry, e.g. B. be arranged aligned parallel to a longitudinal or transverse axis of the mold cavity 4.

A certain gap 9 may be present between the doctor element and the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1; the squeegee element can accordingly be arranged or designed at such a distance from the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1 that a certain gap 9 is formed between the surface of the squeegee element facing the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1. The gap 9 can be dimensioned so that it z. B. the smallest, middle or largest particle diameter or the average z. B. the smallest, middle or largest particle diameter of the plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the mold 1 corresponds.

The doctor element - this also applies in general to any differently designed filling device element 7 - can be used to form different gap spaces 9, in particular be supported in a vertical direction, movable relative to the mold body 3 or the mold cavity 4. Thus, by movements of a filling device element 7 relative to the molding tool body 3, differently dimensioned dimensions of the gap space 9 (gap dimensions) between the filling device element 7, ie in particular an area of the filling device element 7 facing the molding tool body 3, and the molding tool body 3 or the molding tool cavity 4 can be set. The change in the size of the gap can be static or dynamic. A dynamic change in the gap dimension can take place in particular during a movement of the filling device element 7 relative to the mold cavity 4, so that at the beginning or at a first point in time of a movement of the filling device element 7 along a corresponding movement path, a first gap dimension and at the end or at a second point in time of the movement of the filling device element 7, a second gap dimension that is different from the first gap dimension, ie smaller or greater, is given along the movement path. The change in the gap dimension can be implemented via a hardware and / or software-based drive device (not shown) assigned to the filling device element 7, in particular a motorized drive device, which is set up to generate a drive force that moves the filling device element 7 in a vertical direction relative to the molding tool body 3 is, coupled control device (not shown) can be specifically controlled to z. B. desired or undesired effects of size-related separation of the plastic particle material 2 specifically to bring about or suppress.

Based on the exemplary embodiment shown in a perspective view in FIG. 9, it can be seen that a filling device element 7 can alternatively or additionally also be used as a particularly container-like receiving device 12 having a dispensing opening 11 which can be closed via a closure element 10 if necessary, for receiving by means of the molding tool 1 to be processed Plastic particle material 2 formed or may include such. The dispensing opening 11 is typically arranged or formed in the area of a surface of the receiving device 12 facing the mold cavity 4 or of a receiving body 13 associated with the receiving device 12 and having a receiving volume. That the, z. B. slot-like or -shaped, output opening 11 associated, z. B. slider-like or -shaped executed, closure element

10 is, as indicated by the double arrow, typically between the dispensing opening

1 1 releasing open position and a dispensing opening 11 not releasing closed position mounted movably. To move the closure element 10 between the open and closed position, the closure element 10 can have a z. B. designed as a drive motor, drive device (not shown) can be assigned or assigned. When the closure element 10 moves between the open and closed positions, it may be, for. B. act to a translational and / or rotational movement.

The drive device can be operated or controlled in this way via a control device (not shown) that can be assigned or assigned to it in hardware and / or software that the closure element 10 is released at least in sections, if necessary completely, when the receiving device 12 moves over the mold cavity 4 to fill the mold cavity 4 with plastic particle material. In particular, a movement-dependent and / or location-dependent and / or time-dependent control of the movement of the closure element 10 between the open and closed positions can be implemented.

It is conceivable that the dispensing opening 11 can be enlarged or reduced in size following the contour of the wall sections 3a - 3d delimiting the mold cavity 4, at least in sections. Thus the dimensions, i.e. H. in particular the width or length of the dispensing opening 11 can be adapted to the width of the mold cavity 4, which may optionally be variable as a function of location. This can be done dynamically in particular; accordingly, the dimensions of the dispensing opening 11 can be adapted to a location-dependently variable width of the molding tool cavity 4 when the receiving device 12 moves relative to the mold cavity 4, e.g. B. position-dependent, dynamically adjusted. This is e.g. B. can be implemented via a suitable control of the movement of the closure element 10 between the open and closed position during the movement of the receiving device 12 relative to the mold cavity 4. Of course, the same can be implemented in an analogous manner with several closure elements.

10, which shows a perspective view of the parting plane 5 of the mold 1, it can be seen that a filling device element 7 is also used as a receptacle device 12, in particular a container-like, receiving device 12 having a doctor element and a dispensing opening 11 which can be closed by a closure element 10 if necessary Receiving by means of the molding tool 1 to be processed plastic particle material 2 comprehensive combined doctor element-receiving device assembly 14 formed or at least include such. The doctor element is typically arranged or formed in a defined spatial arrangement relative to the receiving device 12 and vice versa. In particular, the squeegee element of the receiving device 12 is arranged or formed trailing in a defined spatial arrangement with respect to a movement of the combined squeegee receiving device assembly 14 in the movement path for filling the 4 mold cavity. In this way, the doctor element can bring about a leveling or smoothing of the filling surface of the plastic particle material 2 filled into the mold cavity 4 via the receiving device 12.

11, which shows a sectional view of the molding tool 1, and FIG. 12, which shows a plan view of the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1, it can be seen that the molding tool 1 has a filling volume defined by the molding tool cavity 4 V1 additional filling volume V2 defining and thus an overfilling of the mold cavity 4 enabling filling frame device 15 can comprise. The overcrowding can be one such. B. realized by a movement of a movably mounted wall section against the plastic particle material 2, compression of the Plastic particle material 2 to reduce or remove free spaces (gussets) between plastic particle material particles follow.

The filling frame device 15 comprises a filling frame element 16 which can be or is arranged on the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1. The filling frame element 16 comprises a filling frame body 17, which has a filling volume limited by wall sections 17a-17d. The shape of the filling frame body 17 is typically selected in such a way, therefore the filling frame body 17 typically dimensioned in such a way that it surrounds the contour of the wall sections 3 a - 3d of the mold body 3 delimiting the mold cavity 4. The filling frame body 17 therefore contributes to filling the mold cavity 4 as precisely as possible. In particular, the filling frame body 17 ensures that vertically accelerated plastic particles can be “caught” during the movement of the filling device element 7.

The filling frame element 16 or the filling frame body 17 can be positioned between a first position resting on the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1 (see FIG. 11) and one of the partitioning plane 5 of the molding tool 1, forming a position between the partitioning plane 5 of the molding tool 1 and the space of the filling frame element 16 or the filling frame body 17 that faces this area, in particular for introducing an insert element 18, which can be, for example, a flat, in particular film-like or shaped insert element, spaced apart, non-resting position (cf. 1 1 - dashed illustration) be movably mounted. The filling frame element 16 or the filling frame body 17 can therefore enable at least one insert element 18 to be introduced and fixed by means of a corresponding movement, in particular a vertical movement relative to the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1. To move the filling frame element 16 or the filling frame body 17 between the first and second positions, the filling frame element 16 or the filling frame body 17 can be provided with a z. B. designed as a drive motor, drive device (not shown) can be assigned or assigned. A movement of the filling frame element 16 or the filling frame body 17 between the first and second positions can be a translational and / or rotational movement. The drive device can be operated or controlled in this way via a control device (not shown) that can be assigned or assigned to it in hardware and / or software.

As part of the movement of the filling frame element 16 or the filling frame body 17 from the second to the first position, a corresponding insert element 18 can also be assembled; the filling frame body can for this purpose with suitable, z. B. sharp-edged sections formed, separating sections can be provided, which enables a cut-out of a prefabricated area from an unconfigured insert element 18. The assembly typically includes adapting the dimensions of an insert element 18 provided to the dimensions of the mold cavity 4. 11 it can also be seen that the interior space defined by the filling frame body 17 and delimiting the filling volume V2 is adapted to the dimensions of the movably mounted wall section 3d (stamp), so that this wall section 3d - in the sense of a dip edge - into the filling frame body 17 defined interior can immerse. In this way, defined pressure or compression forces can be applied to the plastic particle material 2 filled into the mold cavity 4 and thus a defined compression of the plastic particle material 2 can be brought about, which, for. B. can result in a compression of the plastic particle material 2. This can be useful in particular if there is no or insufficiently high expansion or foaming pressure of the plastic particle material 2 in the mold cavity 4.

The molding tool 1 can furthermore comprise a handling or handling device (not shown) which, in order to introduce an insert element 18 to be introduced into the free space formed by moving the filling frame element 16 or the filling frame body 17 into the second position, into the space formed by moving the filling frame element 16 or of the filling frame body 17 is set up in the second position formed free space. A corresponding handling or handling device can, for. B. be designed as a single or multi-axis robot device or comprise at least one such.

The molding tool 1 can also comprise a handling or handling device (not shown) which is set up to remove a particle foam molding from the molding tool cavity 4. This handling or handling device can be equipped with at least one such. B. formed by a heating wire, a cutting edge, etc. or such a comprehensive, separating element comprising separating device, which is set up to separate an insert element 18 from an insert element composite. It is also possible to separate a section of an insert element 18 protruding beyond the molded particle foam part from the molded particle foam part.

Of course, the handling or handling device can include an insert element 18 to be introduced into the free space formed by moving the filling frame element 17 into the second position in the free space formed by moving the filling frame element 17 into the second position, and at the handling or handling device, which is set up to remove a particle foam molded part from the mold cavity 4, act around the same handling or handling device.

11 it can also be seen that at least one wall section 3a - 3d of the molding tool body 3 delimiting the molding tool cavity 4 is provided with a fixation flow for fixing an insert element 18 to be introduced or introduced into the molding tool cavity 4 on the respective and / or another Wall section 3a - 3d can have flow opening 19 through which a flow can pass. In this way, a position-stable fixation of an insert element 18 introduced into the mold cavity 4 can be implemented in the mold cavity 4. With a corresponding fixation flow it can be, for. B. be a suction flow, the fixation of the insert element 18 can therefore z. B. be done by suction; nevertheless, a corresponding fixing flow can in principle also be a blowing flow, and the at least one insert element 18 can therefore also be fixed by blowing.

The molding tool 1 can comprise a flow generating device 20 which can be assigned or is assigned to the flow opening (s) 19, which is set up to generate a fixing flow flowing through the flow opening (s). If the fixing flow is a suction flow, the flow generating device 20 can be designed as a suction pump device or at least comprise one. If the fixing flow is a blow flow, the flow generating device 20 can be designed as a blow pump device or at least include one.

13, which shows a sectional view of the molding tool 1, it can be seen that the molding tool 1 can comprise a detection device 21 which is used for, in particular optical detection, a filling process of the molding tool cavity 4 and / or a filling state of the molding tool cavity 4 and is set up to generate detection information describing a detected filling process, in particular its quality, of the mold cavity 4 and / or a filling state, in particular its quality, of the mold cavity 4. The detection device 21 therefore enables detection and a suitable, z. B. by a comparison with predefined or predefined reference values, evaluation of a corresponding detection information an assessment of a filling process of the mold cavity 4 and / or a filling state of the mold cavity 4. A corresponding detection information can, for the purpose of process or quality monitoring, to a suitable operation of the molding tool 1 or a higher-level device 22, which is indicated purely schematically in FIG. 13 and includes the molding tool 1, for processing plastic particle material 2, assigned hardware and / or software-implemented control device 23. Certain parameters relating to the filling process of the mold cavity 4, such as, for. B. acceleration, speed, etc. of the movement of the filling device element 7 can be adapted on the basis of a corresponding detection information for future filling processes of the mold cavity 4. Corresponding detection information can of course also be transmitted to an output device, in particular a display device, assigned to the molding tool 1 or to the device 22.

In addition to a corresponding molding tool 1, the device 22 can also be a molding tool 1 at least partially, if necessary completely, encompass surrounding, in particular chamber-like, steam generating device in which steam or superheated steam can be generated.

A corresponding detection device 21 can, for. B. as an optical detection device, d. H. z. B. be designed as a photo or video camera device, optical barrier device, etc., or at least include one such. In principle, however, differently designed detection devices 21, i. H. z. B. acoustic detection devices, conceivable, which are set up by the detection and processing of acoustic signals to generate corresponding detection information.

14-16, which each show a sectional view of the molding tool 1, it can be seen that the molding tool 1 can include a supply device 25 which is used to supply a quantity, particularly defined with regard to the molding tool cavity 4 or its filling volume of plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the molding tool 1 is set up on the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1. A corresponding provision device 25 can in particular be set up to provide a defined amount of plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the molding tool 1 using gravimetric and / or volumetric principles; the provision device 25 can accordingly be designed as a gravimetric and / or volumetric provision device 25. The provision device 25 can be set up to realize a specific geometry of one or more plastic particle material heaps to be deposited or deposited on the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1. Likewise, the provision device 25 can be set up to deposit certain plastic particle material mixtures or distributions on the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1.

The plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the molding tool 1 is typically applied to the partition plane 5 of the molding tool 1 by means of the supply device 25 in such a way that it is released from the filling device element 7 in the course of a movement along the at least one movement path, i.e. H. in particular between a start and end point defining the at least one trajectory, taken up by the filling device element 7 and thus conveyed into the mold cavity 4 for the purpose of filling the mold cavity 4. The operation of the supply device 25 can be controlled via a hardware and / or software-implemented control device assigned to it in such a way that an amount of plastic particle material 2 that enables a desired degree of filling of the mold cavity 4 is made available.

A corresponding provision device 25 can be assigned a weighing device 29 which is used for weighing or for weighing a quantity of plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the molding tool 1 and for generating a weighing result describing a weighing result Weighing information is set up. A weighing result described by corresponding weighing information can be compared with a reference value in order to check or, if necessary, adjust one or more operating parameters of the supply device 25, in particular with regard to the precision of the filling process of the mold cavity 4 or the filling status of the mold cavity 4.

A corresponding weighing device 29 can, as shown by way of example in FIG. 14, be arranged in the area of a starting point SP or adjacent to a starting point SP of a respective movement path in order to draw conclusions about the plastic particle material 2 present there or its weight detected by means of the weighing device 29 to draw a maximum amount of plastic particle material 2 that can be filled into the mold cavity 4.

Likewise, as shown by way of example in FIG. 15, it is conceivable to also arrange a corresponding weighing device 29 in the area of an end point EP or adjacent to an end point EP of a respective movement path in order to use the excess plastic particle material 2 or its by means of the weighing device 29 recorded weight to draw conclusions about the filling process of the mold cavity 4 and / or the filling state of the mold cavity 4.

14 it can also be seen that a supply device 25 can be arranged above the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1 so that plastic particle material 2 z. B. from one of the supply device 25 associated with an output opening 27 which can be closed if necessary via at least one closure element 26, in particular container-like, receiving device 28 for receiving plastic particle material 2 can be provided.

14, it can finally be seen that the molding tool 1 can comprise a separating device 37 which is formed by one or more, in particular sieve-like or -shaped, openings in the molding tool body 3, which is used to separate excess plastic particle material particles and / or from Plastic particle material particles of a certain particle size and / or particle morphology is set up. Such can optionally, for. B. due to particle size and / or particle morphology, undesired plastic particle material particles are separated so that they are not filled into the at least one mold cavity. A corresponding separating device can, as FIG. 14 shows, be arranged or formed in the region of an end point of a movement path of the filling device element 7. As an alternative or in addition, although not shown, an arrangement or configuration in the area of a starting point of a movement path of the filling device element 7 is also conceivable.

FIG. 14 also shows, by way of example, that a corresponding collecting device 37 can be connected or connected to a mold body 3, possibly detachably, Collecting container 38 can communicate.

15, 16 it can be seen that a provision device 25 can comprise a provision module 30, in particular a releasable (damage-free or non-destructive), arranged or formed on or in the mold body 3, which has a provision module body 32 defining a provision volume 31. A corresponding provision volume is limited or defined by wall sections of the provision module body 32, which are not designated in any more detail. In this case, at least one wall section of the supply module body 32 delimiting the supply volume 31, in particular on the base side, as indicated by the double arrow, can be used to carry out a supply movement of plastic particle material 2 from the supply volume 31 onto the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1 in at least one, in particular translational and / or rotatory, degree of freedom of movement be movably mounted. The provision module body 32 can be handled as a separate structural unit with respect to the molding tool body 3, separately from the molding tool body 3. In particular, it is possible that a provision module body 32 if necessary, i. H. z. B. in an emptied state, is exchanged manually or (partially) automatically with a supply module body 32 filled with plastic particle material 2.

It can be seen from FIG. 16 that several provision module bodies 32 can also be present. If several provision module bodies 32 are present, these can also be operated simultaneously or alternately for the provision of plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the molding tool 1. Respective supply module bodies 32 can, as shown by way of example in FIG. B. be arranged or formed on opposing areas, in particular edge areas, of the molding tool body 3. In this way, the mold cavity 4 can be filled from different directions.

16 shows by way of example that a corresponding provision module body 32 can also be arranged in a recess formed for this purpose on the mold body side. A correspondingly arranged provision module body 32 can be designated or considered to be integrated in the molding tool body 3.

15 also shows, by way of example, that a provision module 30 can be assigned a hardware and / or software-implemented determination device 39 for determining a provided weight and / or volume, ie generally for generating provision information describing a provided amount of plastic particle material 2. A corresponding determination device 39 can be set up to draw conclusions via the evaluation of operating parameters or states of a particularly motorized drive device (not shown) assigned to the preparation module 30, which is set up to implement a corresponding preparation movement to pull the respectively provided amount of plastic particle material 2. For example, for a given construction of a supply module 30, conclusions can be drawn about the amount of plastic particulate material 2 made available in each case by evaluating recorded lifting movements, lifting forces, etc. A corresponding determination device 39 can, for. B. (also) be set up to process signals supplied by the corresponding supply module-side sensor devices, displacement sensors, etc.

17-20 that a filling device element 7 can comprise a separating element 34 defining at least two separate plastic particle material receiving areas 33 or conveying areas or plastic particle material receiving areas and / or conveying compartments. Corresponding plastic particle material receiving areas 33 can be arranged or formed in one or more horizontal and / or vertical planes depending on the dimensions, arrangement and alignment of a respective separating element 34.

17 shows, by way of example, an arrangement of a separating element 34 above the separating plane 5, which results in a vertical arrangement of several plastic particle material receiving areas 33. Of course, several separating elements 34 can be arranged or formed above the separating plane 5.

18, 19 show, by way of example, that a corresponding separating element 34 is separated from a base body (not shown in more detail) of the filling device element 7 in at least one spatial direction, in particular parallel and / or angled, ie. H. in particular transversely to a direction of movement of the respective filling device element 7 defined by the movement path relative to the at least one mold cavity, arranged or formed so as to protrude. A corresponding partition element can, for. B. be formed by a partition web, a partition plate or the like or at least include one such. Specifically, FIG. 18 shows an exemplary arrangement of a plurality of separating elements 34 arranged in the direction of the movement path or parallel to the movement path, and FIG. 19 an exemplary arrangement of a plurality of separating elements 34 arranged transversely to the movement path.

Looking at FIGS. 18, 19 together, it can be seen that a matrix-like or matrix-like arrangement and / or design of one or more separating elements 34 in one or more horizontal and / or vertical planes is also conceivable. Each matrix element can define a separate plastic particle material receiving area 33. The same applies to an equally conceivable honeycomb-like or honeycomb arrangement and / or design of one or more separating elements 34, each honeycomb element defining a separate plastic particle material receiving area 33. Of course, free forms are also conceivable.

20 is in connection with the design of a filling device element 7 as an in particular container-like receiving device 12 having a dispensing opening 11 which can be closed if necessary via at least one closure element 10, that corresponding separate plastic particle material receiving areas 33 or compartments can be defined by corresponding separating elements 34 within the receiving volume so that the receiving device 12 can be filled with different plastic particle materials 2 is. As FIG. 20 shows by way of example, the receiving volume can be subdivided, in particular in the manner of a matrix, into one or more spatial directions and / or spatial planes in order to define corresponding, separate plastic particle material receiving areas 33. Each plastic particle material receiving area 33 can have at least one dispensing opening 11, which can be closed by at least one corresponding closure element 10 that can be moved between the open and closed positions.

In all of the exemplary embodiments, individual, multiple or all separating elements 34 can also be mounted movably between at least two positions, so that differently configured plastic particle material receiving areas 33 can be formed by corresponding movements of the separating element or elements 34. Movements of the separating elements 34 can be carried out simultaneously with movements of the filling device element 7, so that the configuration of a

Plastic particle material receiving area 33 can be changed during a movement of the respective filling device element 34 relative to the mold cavity 4.

The formation of at least two separate plastic particle material receiving areas 33 and 33, respectively

Plastic particle material receiving areas 33 by means of the filling device 6 or by means of a filling device element 7, e.g. B. chemically and / or physically and / or morphologically, introduce different plastic particle materials 2 into the mold cavity 4. The arrangement and dimensions of a respective plastic particle material receiving area 33 enables the mold cavity 4 to be filled in different horizontal and / or vertical areas with different plastic particle materials 2 and / or different amounts of plastic particle material, which overall results in the production of molded parts in one or more spatial directions tailor-made properties can result or results. In particular, it is possible to fill the mold cavity 4 in horizontal and / or vertical layers with different plastic particle materials 2 and / or plastic particle material quantities, ie. H. to form different plastic particle material layers, which in a molded part with in different sections, d. H. z. B. different horizontal and / or vertical sections, different structural properties result or results.

In connection with the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, it should generally be mentioned that different filling device elements 7a, 7b are different Allow plastic particle materials 2 to be poured into the mold cavity 4. This can e.g. B. by an arrangement of filling device elements 7 in one or more horizontal and / or vertical planes, ie in particular next to one another, one behind the other or one above the other.

21 it can be seen that the molding tool 1 can comprise a detachment device 35 which can be assigned or is assigned to the filling device element 7, which is set up to generate a detachment force which causes at least a partial detachment of plastic particle material 2 adhering to the filling device element 7. As can be seen, a corresponding detachment device 35 can comprise a detachment device element 36. A corresponding release device element 36 can e.g. B. be designed as an antistatic or ionization element, fan element, etc. or at least include one such. A release force can therefore, for. B. an antistatic force, a fan force; However, mechanical forces are equally conceivable, i. H. z. B. compressive forces, shear forces, etc. A vibration generating device can also be regarded as a detachment device 35. Combinations of different detachment device elements 36 are conceivable.

As an alternative or in addition to the detachment device 35, a temperature control device in the form of a temperature control radiator device, ie. H. in particular an infrared radiator device which is used to generate a corresponding temperature control radiation, d. H. z. B. infrared radiation is set up to be provided. The detachment device 35 could therefore also be a corresponding temperature control radiator device. The molding tool 1 can, although not shown in the figures, in all exemplary embodiments comprise a temperature control device (not shown) which can be assigned or is assigned to the filling device element 7, which is used for temperature control at least in sections, ie. H. Heating and / or cooling, of the filling device element 7 is set up. A temperature control of the filling device element 7 is therefore possible via an appropriate temperature control device, which can possibly have a positive effect on the filling process and subsequent processing of a plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the mold 1, as such, for. B. Influence on a desired or undesired sliding behavior and / or falling behavior of the plastic particle material 2 to be filled into the mold cavity 4 on the parting plane 5 of the mold 1 and / or influence on the expansion behavior of the plastic particle material 2 can be exerted. A corresponding temperature control device can comprise at least one temperature control device element arranged or formed on or in the filling device element 7, in particular at least in sections along and / or extending through it. With a corresponding

Tempering device element can be, for. B. a heating element that can be energized with electrical current and / or a temperature control channel through which a temperature control medium can flow. In an analogous manner, the molding tool 1 can have one that can be or is assigned to at least one filling frame element 16 or filling frame body 17 Include temperature control device, which is set up for at least partially temperature control of the filling frame element 16 or the filling frame body 17. With the same purpose, as already mentioned above in connection with FIG. 21, a temperature control device in the form of a temperature control radiator device, ie in particular an infrared radiator device which is set up to generate a corresponding temperature control radiation, ie for example infrared radiation, would also be conceivable.

The at least one filling device element 7 can, although not shown in the figures, be provided with a functional layer at least in sections, possibly completely, in all the exemplary embodiments. A corresponding functional layer can, for. B. affect any adhesion of plastic particle material 2 to be processed by means of the molding tool 1 to the filling device element 7, d. H. in particular prevent. As an alternative or in addition, a corresponding functional layer can also influence the aging behavior of the at least one filling device element 7; In particular, a corresponding functional layer can influence the sliding behavior of the at least one filling device element 7 along the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1 and thus reduce friction and wear phenomena.

The molding tool 1 can furthermore, although not shown in the figures, comprise a vibration generating device in all the exemplary embodiments, which is set up to generate the filling device element 7 in an, possibly oscillating, vibration, which is typically a mechanical vibration, displacing vibration energy . A corresponding vibration generating device can specifically, for. B. be designed as an ultrasonic generating device or comprise at least one such. The fall and / or distribution behavior of the plastic particle material 2 can also be influenced by corresponding vibrations. The operation of the vibration generating device can be controlled via a control device implemented in hardware and / or software. The control device can in particular be set up to control the operation of the vibration generating device as a function of movement and / or location and / or time.

The molding tool 1 or the molding tool body 3 can be formed or manufactured at least in sections, optionally completely, additively, ie for example by a selective laser melting process, binder jetting process, etc. in all exemplary embodiments. In principle, any additive manufacturing process (s), ie in particular powder (bed) based additive manufacturing processes, such as e.g. B. laser beam melting, electron beam melting, material order-based additive manufacturing processes such. B. laser deposition welding, arc deposition welding, EBAM, extrusion-based additive manufacturing processes, such as B. FDM processes, jetting-based additive manufacturing processes such. B. binder jetting, nanoparticle jetting, or additive based on material powder application Manufacturing process into consideration. The molding tool 1 or the molding tool body 3 can therefore be a component produced at least in sections, optionally completely, additively, ie for example by a selective laser melting process, binder jetting process, etc. The additive production of the molding tool 1 or the molding tool body 3 enables a maximum of constructive degrees of freedom with regard to the functional as well as the structural design of the molding tool 1 or the molding tool body 3. In an analogous manner, at least one corresponding wall section 3a - 3d - this applies in particular to the described embodiment of the wall section 3a - 3d as a mold insert - as a component produced additively, ie for example by a selective laser melting process, binder jetting process, etc.

With the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, a method for filling a mold cavity 4 of a mold 1 for processing plastic particle material 2 for producing a particle foam molded part with a plastic particle material 2 can be implemented. The method is characterized in that a filling device 6 as described herein is used to fill the mold cavity 4.

With the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, a method for processing expandable or expanded plastic particle material 2 for the production of a particle foam molding can also be implemented. The process consists of the following main steps:

- Filling at least one mold cavity 4 of a mold 1 with at least one plastic particle material 2 by means of a filling device 6,

- Carrying out at least one measure bringing about a connection process of the plastic particle material 2 in the at least one mold cavity 4, in particular by introducing thermal energy into the plastic particle material 2, with the formation of an at least partially, optionally completely, molded part, in particular a particle foam molded part,

- Removal of the at least partially, optionally completely, foamed molded part, in particular the particle foam molded part, from the at least one mold cavity 4.

Of course, before the at least partially, if necessary completely, foamed molded part, in particular the particle foam molded part, is removed from the at least one mold cavity 4, the at least one mold cavity 4 is typically cooled.

The at least partially, if necessary completely, foamed molded part or the particle foam molded part can be removed from the at least one mold cavity 4 by means of a handling device. A modification of the method in connection with the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 1, 12 comprises the following steps:

- Provision of at least one insert element 18,

Introducing the provided insert element 18 into the free space extending between the parting plane 5 of the molding tool 1 and the surface of the filling frame element 16 or the filling frame body 17 facing it,

Moving the filling frame element 16 or the filling frame body 17 from the second position to the first position,

- Formation of a fixing flow for fixing the insert element 18 in the mold cavity 4,

- Filling the mold cavity 4 with at least one plastic particle material 2 by means of the filling device 6,

- Closing the mold 1 by moving a movably mounted wall section 3d into a closed position,

- Carrying out at least one measure bringing about a connection process of the plastic particle material 2 in the at least one mold cavity 4, in particular by introducing thermal energy into the plastic particle material 2, with the formation of a particle foam molding,

- Opening the mold 1 by moving the movably mounted wall section 3d into an open position,

- if necessary, moving the filling frame element 16 or the filling frame body 17 from the first position to the second position,

Removal of the at least partially, optionally completely, foamed, in particular particle foam molded part, from the at least one mold cavity 4.

The method can further comprise a step of separating an excess insert element section from a particle foam molding. The separation can (likewise) take place by means of the or a handling device.

Individual, several or all of the features described in connection with a specific exemplary embodiment can be combined as desired with individual, multiple or all of the features of at least one other exemplary embodiment.

Claims

PA TE N TA NSP RÜ CHE

1. A molding tool (1) for processing expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material (2) for producing a molded part, in particular a particle foam molded part, comprising

- A molding tool body (3) having at least one molding tool cavity (4) delimited by one or more wall sections (3a-3d),

- A filling device (6) which is set up to fill the at least one mold cavity (4) with an expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material (2) to be processed by means of the mold (1), characterized in that the filling device (6) has at least one Filling device element (7) mounted movably in at least one movement path relative to the at least one mold cavity (4).

2. Molding tool according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one filling device element (7) can be moved or moved at least partially, in particular completely, over the at least one molding tool cavity (4) during a movement in the at least one movement path.

3. Molding tool according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one movement path extends at least in sections, in particular completely, in a plane aligned parallel to a parting plane (5) of the molding tool (1).

4. Molding tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one movement path extends at least in sections in a plane oriented at an angle, in particular at right angles, to a parting plane (5) of the molding tool (1).

5. Molding tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling device (6) comprises at least two, in particular independently of one another, each in at least one path of movement relative to the at least one molding tool cavity (4) movably mounted filling device elements (7a, 7b).

6. Mold according to claim 5, characterized in that a first Filling device element (7a) is mounted movably in a first movement path relative to the at least one mold cavity (4), wherein it can be moved or moved at least in sections, in particular completely, over a first section of the at least one mold cavity (4) when moving in the first movement path is and

at least one further filling device element (7b) is mounted movably in a further movement path relative to the at least one molding tool cavity (4), with a movement in the further movement path at least in sections, in particular completely, over a further section of the at least one molding tool cavity (4) is movable or moved.

7. Molding tool according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that a first filling device element (7a) is movably mounted in a first movement path relative to the at least one molding tool cavity (4), with a movement in the first movement path relatively at a first distance to a parting plane (5) of the molding tool (1) via which at least one molding tool cavity (4) can be moved or moved, and

at least one further filling device element (7b) is movably mounted in a further movement path relative to the at least one mold cavity (4), wherein when moving in the further movement path at a further distance different from the first distance relative to the parting plane (5) of the Mold (1) is movable or moved over the at least one mold cavity (4).

8. Molding tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one filling device element (7) or at least one filling device element (7) is at least partially contoured to simulate the contour of the wall sections (3a - 3d) delimiting the at least one mold cavity (4) Has shaping.

9. Molding tool according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one filling device element (7) comprises at least two filling device element segments (7.1 - 7.3) which are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another and which are used to form one of the contour of the at least one molding tool cavity (4) delimiting wall sections (3a - 3d) at least partially based on a contoured shape of the at least one filling device element (7) are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another.

10. Molding tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one filling device element (7) at least one, in particular from a base body of the filling device element (7) protruding in at least one spatial direction, at least two separate plastic particle material receiving and / or conveying areas defining separation element comprises.

11. Molding tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one filling device element (7) is designed as a doctor element or comprises at least one such.

12. Molding tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one filling device element (7) as a dispensing opening (11) which can be closed if necessary via at least one closure element (10), in particular container-like, receiving device (12) for receiving means of the Mold (1) to be processed expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material (2) is formed or at least comprises one such.

13. Molding tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one filling device element (7) has at least one squeegee element and at least one, in particular container-like, receiving device (12) which can be closed by at least one closure element (10) if necessary ) is designed to receive, or comprises at least one, expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material (2) comprising expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material (2) to be processed by means of the molding tool (1).

14. Molding tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a filling frame device (15) which defines an additional filling volume (V2) going beyond the filling volume (V1) defined by the at least one molding tool cavity (4), the filling frame device (15) at least one on one Parting plane (5) of the molding tool (1) comprises filling frame element (16) which can be arranged.

15. The molding tool according to claim 14, characterized in that the at least one between a first position resting on the parting plane (5) of the molding tool (1) and one of the parting plane (5) of the molding tool (1) to form a is movably supported between the parting plane (5) of the molding tool (1) and the surface of the filling frame element (16) facing this free space, in particular for the introduction of an insert element (18), spaced apart, non-resting second position.

16. Molding tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one wall section (3a-3d) of the molding tool body (3) delimiting the at least one molding tool cavity (4) has at least one of at least one fixing flow for fixing one in the at least one molding tool cavity (4 ) has to be introduced or introduced insert element (18) on the respective and / or another wall section (3a-3d) of the mold body (3) through which a flow opening (19) can flow.

17. Molding tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a temperature control device which can be assigned or is assigned to the at least one filling device element (7), which temperature control device is set up for at least partial temperature control of the at least one filling device element (7).

18. Molding tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a detachment device (35) which can be or is assigned to the at least one filling device element (7), which causes plastic particle material (2) adhering to at least one portion of the at least one filling device element (7) to be detached Release force is established.

19. Molding tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a detection device (21), which for, in particular optical, detection, a filling process of the at least one mold cavity (4) and / or a filling state of the at least one mold cavity (4) and for generating a a detected filling process, in particular its quality, of the at least one mold cavity (4) and / or a filling state, in particular its quality, of the at least one mold cavity (4) describing detection information is set up.

20. Molding tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a supply device (25) which, in particular with regard to the at least one molding tool cavity (4) defined, amount of means of providing a Mold (1) to be processed expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material (2) is set up on a parting plane (5) of the mold (1).

21. Molding tool according to claim 20, characterized in that the supply device (25) has a supply module (30), in particular detachably, arranged or formed on or in the molding tool body (3), which module body defines at least one supply volume (31). 32).

22. Molding tool according to claim 21, characterized in that the supply module (30) comprises at least one determination device which is used to determine an amount of plastic particle material (2) provided by means of the supply module (30) and to generate an amount of plastic particle material (2) provided by means of the supply module ( 30) provided plastic particle material (2) is set up descriptive provision information.

23. Molding tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one wall section (3a - 3d) of the molding tool body (3) delimiting the molding tool cavity (3) is formed by a molding tool insert that can be received or received in a receptacle designed for this purpose on the molding tool body side.

24. Molding tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the molding tool body (3) is formed at least in sections, optionally completely, by an additive manufacturing process.

25. Filling device (6) for filling at least one molding tool cavity (4) of a molding tool (1) for processing expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material (2) for producing a molded part, in particular a particle foam molded part, with a molding tool (1) to be processed expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material (2), wherein the filling device (6) comprises at least one filling device element (7) movably mounted in at least one movement path relative to the at least one mold cavity (4).

26. Device (11) for processing expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material for producing a molded part, in particular a particle foam molded part, comprising at least one molding tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 24 or a filling device according to claim 25.

27. A method for filling a mold cavity (4) of a mold (1) for processing expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material (2) for the production of a molded part, in particular a particle foam molded part, with a plastic particle material (2), characterized in that for filling the Mold cavity (4) a filling device (6) according to claim 25 is used.

28. A method for processing expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material (2) for the production of a molded part, in particular a particle foam molded part, using at least one molding tool (1) according to one of claims 1 to 24 or a device (11) according to claim 26, comprising the steps:

- Filling at least one mold cavity (4) of a mold (1) with at least one expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material (2),

- Carrying out at least one connection process of the expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material (2) in the at least one mold cavity (4), in particular by introducing thermal energy into the expandable and / or expanded plastic particle material (2), with the formation of at least a section , optionally completely, foamed molding, in particular particle foam molding,

- Removing the at least partially, if necessary completely, foamed molded part, in particular the particle foam molded part, from the at least one mold cavity (4).